“I welcome the Minster for Health’s statement today that there were proposals to widen access to adrenaline auto-injectors range from making them available without a prescription to making them available in every school and restaurant in the country. This is a major step forward.

“Recently I invited in Caroline Sloan, whose daughter Emma died from an allergic reaction, to address this committee. Since her daughter’s death Caroline has led a campaign ‘Emma’s Voice’. Emma’s family and friends are campaigning to ensure that there are EpiPens in all schools, crèches and restaurants with trained first responders, to have ID bracelets and badges on allergy sufferers. The campaign also wants the Department of Health to provide an allergy clinic in all counties in Ireland as currently there are only two, one in Cork and one in Louth.

“The tragic case is the subject of a Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland statutory investigative process. I hope this is brought to a conclusion as soon as possible and that the findings are shared with the family.

“Today’s commitment is a step in the right direction. Of course there will be issues with training and registering the EpiPens, but these problems can all be overcome if the will is there. I have no doubt we are on the way to overcoming these obstacles.

“I spoke to Caroline and gave her a commitment that I will continue to pressure the Minister for Health on the matter until EpiPens are in all schools, crèches and restaurants.”